Medical facilities told to inform dept on Covid-19 tests
Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health has instructed all medical facilities that conduct lab tests for Covid-19 infection to inform the department of the results, adding that failure to do so will lead to a fine of Bt20,000 each.
Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Director-General of Department of Disease Control, said Covid-19 disease is dangerous contagious disease under the Communicable Disease Act, 2015 BE which states that medical centres must inform the department within three hours after a person is confirmed or suspected to be infected with the virus.
“Department officials will determine whether the person tested should be exempted from any cost for the medical examination," he said.
Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Director of the Bureau of General Communicable Diseases, said free examination would be provided to person showing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, sneezing or panting, and to those who have returned from high-risk countries, or working with foreign tourists. The offer extends to their family members at both government and private medical centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, Dr Opart Karnkawinpong, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences said that in addition to Regional Medical Sciences Centres nationwide and Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease Health Science Centre at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, people can take Covid-19 examination at Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University, Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, Rajavithi Hospital, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute, and Bumrungrad International Hospital.
“Other medical centres which seek to conduct Covid-19 examination must pass the evaluation process and proficiency test of the department. They must have qualified medical technicians, standardised tools and laboratories,” Dr Opart added.